The Buffalo Sabres, in partnership with Buffalo Place, today announced plans to host ‘Sabres Summer Fan Fest,’ a day of hockey-themed entertainment on Buffalo’s waterfront to cap the team’s weeklong rookie development camp on Friday, July 12. A scrimmage featuring Buffalo Sabres rookies at First Niagara Center will be followed by a concert at Canalside with alternative rock group 10,000 Maniacs serving as the night’s headlining act.

“The fan turnout at last year’s development camp and scrimmage really drove home the fact that our fans have an appetite for hockey that continues year-round,” said Sabres President Ted Black. “We’re excited to build upon that fan interest and offer a larger event that capitalizes on our arena’s location on Buffalo’s burgeoning waterfront.”

Fans can begin arriving at First Niagara Center at 3 p.m. to watch the Sabres rookies wrap up their weeklong development camp by participating in an intra-squad scrimmage, which begins at 4 p.m. Family-friendly food prices will be available to fans at concession stands throughout the arena.

Following the scrimmage, the Sabres and Buffalo Place will continue the evening entertainment at Canalside, the site of Buffalo Place’s popular summer concert series. Beginning at 6 p.m., children 12 years-old and younger can participate in an autograph session with the Sabres rookies. Music will also begin at 6 p.m., with 10,000 Maniacs scheduled to take the stage at 8 p.m. A post-concert fireworks show will conclude the night’s festivities.

“We are pleased to once again partner with the Buffalo Sabres on what we expect will become a yearly can’t miss event for Sabres fans and those who love all the energy emanating from Canalside,” said Buffalo Place Chairman Keith Belanger. “The Sabres’ sponsorship of Fan Fest is yet another example of the Pegula family’s extraordinary investment at the foot of Main Street and their significant contribution to the growing success of Canalside.”

Sabres Summer Fan Fest tickets will go on sale for $10 beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 20. As an added value, fans who purchase advance tickets will have the option to buy a discounted ticket to the Buffalo Bisons’ July 13 game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Coca-Cola Field. Tickets can be purchased at the First Niagara Center Box Office or online at Sabres.com. Sabres season-ticket holders will be eligible for one free Fan Fest ticket for each seat they have purchased for the 2013-14 season. Instructions on how to claim the free tickets will be sent to all season-ticket holders.